Reference: EMDHR/Openletter/011/06
21 March 2006
To: His Excellency,
      Ambassador Tesfamichael Gherahtu
      Embassy of the State of Eritrea
      Pretoria, Republic of South Africa

Per fax: 012 333 2330

Subject: APPEAL AGAINST VIOLATIONS OF FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN FREEDOMS

Dear Mr. Ambassador,

On this South African Human Rights Day, 21 March 2006, we are observing while the people of South Africa are gloriously acknowledging our common heritage – human rights and dignity of the human nature. Unfortunately, while South Africans and the world at large are moving forward at a greater pace to achieve a high level of human dignity, yet the gap between the desired standard and the reality for Eritreans is undeniably wide. Indeed, the consistent and gross violations of human rights have stifled all political, social and economic developments in our country. Thus far, the Government of Eritrea refused to take any concrete steps which may positively contribute towards the realisation of respect for human rights and dignity of the human nature.

We, in the EMDHR, are gravely uncomfortable by the position of the Government of Eritrea on the above-mentioned regard. We strongly believe that the issue of the un-demarcated border with Ethiopia cannot be a justification for continued violations of fundamental human freedoms in our country. In fact, where the effects of repression of fundamental human freedoms are compounded by the additional burdens of war, drought and famine, the degree of poverty has reached grave proportions. Consequently, many stripped off their dignity are already forced to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. The total disregard of the Government of Eritrea for the protection of human freedoms is then only causing the people to live their lives in continued profound suffering.

Therefore, on the occasion of this Day of South African Human Rights, we appeal to Your Excellency to acknowledge and take necessary action on the ongoing violations of fundamental freedoms in our country. We particularly urge you to encourage the Government of Eritrea to actively implement a system of constitutionalism and rule of law and to recognise and enforce the rights and freedoms which the system guarantees and vows to protect.

In an anticipation of your kind consideration on the matter, we thank Your Excellency in advance.

Sincerely,

Haileab Kidane
EMDHR: Public Relations